Child support is determined by the courts by applying what are known as the Child Support Guidelines.

Basically, the court looks at the net incomes of the parties and determines the appropriate level of support to be paid by one parent to the other parent. Child support can be modified upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances. This may or may not meet the needs of the family.

In Mediation the parties may be able to work out a better alternative as to how the support should be paid that better serves the needs of the family. For example, each party may agree to pay certain expenses for the children, such as food, clothing, education costs, sports activities, etc.